Vatican Publishes New Edition of Funeral Rites for Roman Pontiff

Vatican city, November 21, 2024: The Vatican has released a second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, approved by Pope Francis on April 29, 2024. The new edition, produced by the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, introduces significant changes to the funeral practices for the Bishop of Rome, including adjustments to the ascertainment of death and the tradition of using three coffins. Pope Francis received the first printed copy on November 4, marking a milestone in liturgical adaptation.

Among the updates, the ascertainment of death will now occur in the chapel rather than the deceased pontiff's room and the body will be immediately placed in a coffin. Faithful will have the opportunity to venerate the Pope’s body in an open coffin, departing from previous practices. Additionally, the traditional three coffins of cypress, lead, and oak have been replaced with a simplified approach.

This second edition follows the editio typica approved in 1998 by Saint John Paul II, which was used for his funeral in 2005 and adapted for Pope Benedict XVI's funeral in 2023. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained the need for this revision, emphasizing Pope Francis's desire for simplicity and alignment with the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ.

Archbishop Ravelli also underscored that the renewed rites aim to highlight the Pope’s role as a pastor and disciple of Christ rather than as a figure of worldly power. These changes reflect a broader vision to deepen the theological meaning of papal funerals while making them more accessible to the faithful.

Courtesy: Vatican News